Ashton Cudjoe on Building the Future of Education with AI Workflows

Before we were all talking about AI’s impact on industries, Ashton Cudjoe was already using AI to reshape how education is delivered.

In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, I sit down with Ashton Cudjoe, founder and CEO of Hawaii Medical College, to discuss how AI workflows are revolutionizing education—and how Ashton is pioneering its use at HMI.

Ashton discusses how his school has implemented AI-driven chatbots and voice AI systems to engage prospective students, streamline operations, and boost conversion rates by 30%. He explains how AI helps students navigate the enrollment process and how it can personalize education in ways that were never possible before. We dive into the future of education, AI’s role in teaching, and how to strike the right balance between human interaction and automation.

If you’re in education, tech, or simply curious about how AI will shape the future of learning, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable insights.

AI in Education: Starting with the Right Tools

Ashton’s journey with AI in education started with a simple question: how can I make the learning experience better for students?

He didn’t jump into AI expecting it to solve everything. Instead, he approached it like an experiment—picking the right tools, seeing what worked, and using AI as a support system, not a replacement. The key? Letting AI handle the repetitive tasks while keeping the human touch for the important, emotionally intelligent aspects of learning.

Ashton’s first step was moving from a human-managed chat service to an AI chatbot that could engage students automatically on the website. What followed? 30% of web traffic now converts into applications, thanks to AI-powered interactions.

The Human Touch with AI: Finding the Right Balance

AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about emotional resonance. Ashton shares how important it is to strike the balance between automation and emotional intelligence. His AI system doesn’t just respond mechanically; it mimics human warmth by creating a sense of calm, which is crucial for prospective students, especially in an environment like Hawaii Medical College, where human interaction is a key part of the education process.

What’s exciting? As the AI engages more, it gets better. The voice AI not only understands the questions better, but it also adapts—giving more precise answers and even learning nuances like the local pigeon dialect.

AI’s Potential: A “Just in Time” Model for Education

One of the most fascinating aspects of this conversation is the shift from a “just in case” educational model to a “just in time” one. Traditional education has long been about preparing students for a future that may or may not happen, but AI changes the game by offering a more personalized, on-demand experience. Ashton describes how AI allows students to learn at their own pace—so that they no longer have to wait for the entire class to catch up. It’s truly a game-changer for modern education.

AI and the Future of Teaching: What’s Next?

Ashton is focused on more than just teaching students. He’s also reimagining how teachers interact with AI—using it as a support tool. He mentions AI-powered tutoring programs that can help students who are struggling without the stigma of asking for help. AI makes it possible to give students personalized feedback without the traditional pressure. But the human element, he stresses, will always be critical in education. Teachers are still needed to ensure students are thinking critically, asking the right questions, and engaging in creative problem-solving.

Looking Forward: The Role of AI in Education

Ashton’s vision for education is simple: AI should enhance the student experience, not replace it. As the technology evolves, the challenge will be finding ways to use AI to make education more accessible, personalized, and impactful for all students. His future goals? Expand AI tutoring for even more personalized support, bridge the gap between tech education and real-world applications, and continue refining AI workflows to better serve students at Hawaii Medical College.

Connect with Ashton Cudjoe & Hawaii Medical College